Why Aren't My Dishes Drying?

Picture this: You have guests over, and you’ve just cooked a delicious meal. As you prepare to set the table, you open the dishwasher and your dishes are still soaking wet. If you’re wondering why your dishwasher is not drying dishes, you’re not alone.

This May Also Interest You: What Do You Do With an Old Appliance? How to Recycle Fridges, Washers, Ovens and More

Why Doesn’t My Dishwasher Dry My Dishes All the Way?

If your dishwasher doesn’t dry your dishes all the way after the wash cycle, there are several common reasons to consider.

Malfunctioning Heating Element

Located at the base of the dishwasher tub, the heating element heats the dishes to assist in drying and also warms water for washing your dishes. It heats water during the washing cycle and generates warm air during the drying cycle. If the heating element doesn’t heat the dishes and isn’t working as it should, you can expect to have wet dishes even after a full dry option.

Inadequate Airflow

Along with the heating element, your dishwasher relies on proper air circulation to make the water evaporate from the dishes. If the dishwasher is overloaded, items may block the vents, preventing airflow during the drying cycle. Debris in the vents can also be an issue. Turn off the dishwasher and remove the gap cover in the bottom. Use a bottle brush or tweezers to remove any debris from inside the vent hole. A straw cleaner may work, too. Replace the cover and see if this fixes the problem.

Lack of Rinse Aid

While not absolutely necessary, rinse aid can significantly help in the drying process. Its active ingredients speed up the drying process and help prevent spots. Most dishwashers have a designated compartment for rinse aid. If you’re not sure how much rinse aid to use, check your owner’s manual.

Incorrect Settings When Your Dishwasher Is Not Drying Dishes

Most newer dishwashers come with multiple drying settings, such as "heated dry" or "air-dry." If you run the dishwasher on less-than-optimal settings, you may find your dishes aren’t fully dry. Check your owner’s manual for optimal performance. Generally, the "heated dry" option is more effective than the "air-dry" setting. If your dishwasher has an energy-saving mode, be aware it may also shorten the drying time to save power.

Overloading

Loading your dishes incorrectly can not only prevent your dishes from getting clean but also block them from drying completely. Make sure dishes are stacked with enough space between them for air to flow freely.

Stopping the Dry Cycle

Most dishwashers become quiet during the drying cycle. If you open the door too soon, you’ll release the steam that dries the dishes. Try waiting a few minutes after the drying cycle stops before you put your dishes away. Once you finally open your dishwasher door, leave it slightly open for a few more minutes, allowing the steam to escape.

More Related Articles:

• Should You Buy a Used Appliance? Weigh the Risks and Rewards

• 7 Ways Your Kitchen Will Evolve in the Next 10 Years

• What’s the Difference Between a Warranty and a Protection Plan for Appliances?

• When’s the Last Time You Replaced Your Appliances’ Hoses? Here’s How to Change All of Them

• How to Find the Serial Number on Your Appliances and Gadgets

Help Your Dishwasher Dry Your Dishes

There are a few things you can try to help your dishwasher get your dishes completely dry so you won’t have to dry them by hand.

Check for Hard Water Issues

Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits that can make your glasses and dishes appear wet even when they're dry. If you suspect hard water, consider installing a whole-house water softener or use a dishwater cleaner that’s designed to remove mineral buildup. Not only does this help get your dishes cleaner, it also improves the overall drying performance of the appliance.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Like most appliances in your home, your dishwasher requires regular maintenance to keep it working as efficiently as possible. Consider scheduling annual maintenance with an experienced plumber. You could use this time to have other plumbing features inspected. You should also run your empty dishwasher on a cleaning cycle at least once a month.

Consider an Upgrade

As appliances start to age, they won’t operate as efficiently as they once did. If you have an older device or you’ve noticed it’s not working efficiently even after maintenance, consider replacing your device with a newer model. Modern dishwashers have advanced features, such as smart home integration and notifications that let you know your dishes are dry and ready to put away.